What is the retainage cap in Massachusetts?

On public work the planning cap is 5%. On private work it is No statutory cap. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.

When is retainage released in Massachusetts?

Public jobs typically release 30 days after acceptance. Private jobs: Per contract. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.

How fast must a prime pay a sub in Massachusetts?

10–15 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 30–45 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly on public late pay.

Massachusetts · MA

Massachusetts retainage law and prompt-payment rules

Public cap 5%; private still often 10% in the field. Start in the code: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 30 § 39K; ch. 149 § 29E.

Use this page when you are bidding or billing a job in Massachusetts. Public retainage is listed as 5%; private as No statutory cap. Typical public release is 30 days after acceptance.

Then open the retainage calculator for the dollars, or the G702-style pay application if you need line-by-line previous certificates.

Where is the job?

State and project type drive retainage caps and payment clocks

State

Project type

Caps and clocks change with project type, contract value, and the year you signed. Planning table only — confirm the current statute before you rely on a date.

Massachusetts — private work

Retainage capNo statutory cap

Typical retainage releasePer contract

Interest / penalty1% monthly on public late pay

Owner / agency to primePublic: 30–45 days after invoice

Prime to sub (after prime paid)10–15 days after the prime is paid

Start in the codeMass. Gen. Laws ch. 30 § 39K; ch. 149 § 29E

Public cap 5%; private still often 10% in the field.

Summaries compiled for planning. This site is not a law firm.

Run the retainage dollars

Questions this page answers

What is the retainage cap in Massachusetts?: On public work the planning cap is 5%. On private work it is No statutory cap. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.
When is retainage released in Massachusetts?: Public jobs typically release 30 days after acceptance. Private jobs: Per contract. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.
How fast must a prime pay a sub in Massachusetts?: 10–15 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 30–45 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly on public late pay.

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